Following the failure of Jeffco schools' ballot initiatives 3A and 3B — which would have resulted in a $535 million bond issue and generated $33 million annually in increased property taxes — the district says its top priority is keeping the teachers it has by improving compensation.

All lanes of Interstate 70 were reopened late Thursday afternoon near Floyd Hill after a 20-car pileup had closed both sides of the highway earlier.

Evergreen Fire/Rescue reported on Twitter that the highway had reopened about 4:40 p.m.

State Patrol Trooper Josh Lewis confirmed that at least 20 vehicles were involved in the accident, and at least two people were transported to the hospital. Lewis said he did not know the extent of their injuries, but he was not aware of any serious or life-threatening injuries.

The number of Jeffco schools affected by unsafe levels of lead in drinking water from at least one sink or water fountain has risen to 109.

According to documents posted to the district’s website, approximately 7,500 samples have been taken from 144 schools since June 3, and more than 500 of those samples showed lead levels above the Environmental Protection Agency’s maximum allowable level, which is 15 parts per billion.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery is representative of all those U.S. servicemen and women who fought and died defending their country. And, it is a special place of honor and respect for military members, veterans and citizens alike.

However, when possible, it’s important to honor and remember veterans by name, Pastor Chuck Traylor of Church of the Hills said at a Veterans Day service.